Vietnamese-Funded alumina project receives visit from Lao lawmaker

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A high-level delegation from the Lao National Assembly visited Xekong province on May 23 to review progress on the Dakcheung bauxite and alumina development project, one of the largest industrial ventures currently underway in southern Laos. The delegation was headed by Sounthone Xayachak, who travelled to Dakcheung district to assess the implementation of the project being developed by Viet Phuong Group.

The large-scale initiative forms part of the broader economic, scientific, and technical cooperation framework agreed between the governments of Laos and Vietnam. During the visit, project representatives outlined both the industrial scope of the development and its intended contribution to the region’s long-term growth.

Speaking on behalf of the investor, Dinh Xuan Hoang explained that the project had been designed not only to utilise Laos’ bauxite reserves efficiently, but also to establish a complete industrial chain covering extraction, ore treatment and refined alumina production. According to him, the development is expected to support economic expansion in the province while also generating employment opportunities and improving living conditions for communities living near the project site.

Project officials informed the delegation that the scheme is divided into two major operational sections. The first is a bauxite ore processing facility capable of handling 2.5 million tonnes annually. The second is an alumina refinery with an initial production target of one million tonnes per year. Plans are already in place for a future expansion phase that would raise annual refinery capacity to two million tonnes.

The delegation was also updated on regulatory progress. Representatives confirmed that the key legal and administrative procedures required by the Lao authorities had already been completed. These include approval of the feasibility study, mining permits, construction authorisations and a series of environmental management and monitoring requirements.

Company officials reiterated their commitment to keeping the development on schedule. They stated that additional resources would continue to be allocated to ensure construction targets are met while maintaining compliance with Lao legislation relating to investment, mining activities and environmental protection standards.

During discussions with project leaders, the Lao National Assembly Vice President praised the efforts made by the Vietnamese investor and described the development as a significant contribution to Xekong province’s socio-economic ambitions. He noted that the project is expected to increase employment, raise household incomes and strengthen provincial revenues.

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At the same time, he emphasised that foreign-backed projects in Laos must balance economic returns with sustainable development goals. Environmental safeguards, responsible resource management and meaningful contributions to the long-standing friendship and strategic cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, he said, should remain central priorities throughout the project’s implementation.